San Diego faces wide receiver Victor Cruz on Sunday and Denver's Wes Welker on Thursday. Cruz has 66 catches for 931 yards and four touchdowns. He eclipsed 100 yards three of the first four games this year but has done it once in the eight games since, scoring no touchdowns in that span.

“Anytime you get these slot receivers in the National Football League, especially someone like Victor Cruz, he’s very crafty," defensive coordinator John Pagano said on Thursday. "Inside, he is someone that you have to be aware of and accountable for. He is somebody they do a lot of different things with. Offensively, they do a great job of moving him around in different spots even though he is the slot receiver. They ... give you different looks.”

If Patrick is sidelined, it's unclear who would work in his place.

Cornerback Richard Marshall had a good game last week in his first start for Derek Cox, but he has experience in the nickel spot. He could move inside with Cox re-assuming a starting role. Cox's work ethic has not waned amid struggles this season, including often being the last player working on the practice field. That includes after Friday's practice.

Crezdon Butler, the fourth cornerback on the Chargers roster, is mostly a special teamer.